Denver International Airport's terminals and how they connect

Denver International Airport (DEN) has one main terminal building with three concourses branching off it. The terminal is shaped like a tent, which you'll notice when ready when you arrive. All three concourses — A, B, and C — connect to the same central terminal, so you don't need to leave the building to move between them.

Concourse A is the largest and handles most domestic flights. Concourse B is smaller and also serves domestic routes. Concourse C is the smallest and typically handles regional flights. If you're connecting between flights, the airport signs will direct you to your next gate, and you'll walk through the main terminal area to reach a different concourse if needed.

The airport opened in 1995 and sits about 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver. It's the fifth-busiest airport in the United States by passenger volume, so expect crowds during peak travel times — typically early morning, late afternoon, and early evening.

Key Takeaways

  • Denver International has one terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C) all connected in the same building, so you won't need to go outside to change flights.
  • The airport is 23 miles from downtown Denver, and ground transportation options include rental cars, rideshare, taxis, and public transit via the A Line train.
  • Security checkpoints are located in the main terminal before you enter each concourse, and TSA PreCheck and REAL ID can speed up the process.
  • Baggage claim is in the main terminal after you exit your concourse, and you'll collect all bags there regardless of which concourse your flight arrived in.
  • The airport has restaurants, shops, and services throughout all three concourses, though prices are higher than outside the airport.

Getting to and from Denver International

The A Line train is the cheapest way to reach downtown Denver from the airport. It runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes late at night, and the trip takes about 37 minutes to Union Station in downtown Denver. A one-way ticket costs $11 for adults, and you buy it at a kiosk before boarding. The train runs from about 5 a.m. to midnight.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate from the airport, and you request a pickup from the ground transportation level. Prices vary depending on demand and time of day, but expect to pay $25 to $50 for a trip to downtown Denver during normal times. During peak hours or bad weather, prices can surge significantly higher.

Rental car companies operate from the airport, and you'll find their desks in the main terminal. You can also take a taxi from the taxi stand on the ground transportation level — fares are metered, and a trip to downtown Denver typically costs $50 to $70 depending on traffic.

If you're driving to the airport, parking is available in multiple lots. Short-term parking is expensive (rates vary by lot and season), while long-term parking is cheaper if you're leaving your car for several days. Valet parking is also available if you want someone else to park your car.

Moving through security and finding your gate

Security checkpoints are located in the main terminal, and you must pass through one before entering your concourse. Standard security lines can be long during peak travel times, so arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight is standard information. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can use a faster lane and keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. If you have a REAL ID (a driver's license or state ID that meets federal standards), you can use a slightly faster lane as well.

Once you pass security, you'll enter the main terminal area and see signs directing you to your concourse. Each concourse has its own gate numbers: Concourse A gates are numbered A1–A90, Concourse B gates are B1–B60, and Concourse C gates are C1–C40. Digital signs throughout the terminal show which gate your flight is using, and that information updates as the airport assigns gates.

The airport has restaurants, shops, and seating areas throughout all three concourses. Prices for food and drinks are higher than you'd pay outside the airport, so budget accordingly if you're buying meals during your layover.

Collecting baggage and ground transportation after landing

When you land, follow signs for "Baggage Claim" after you exit your concourse. All baggage claim carousels are in the main terminal, regardless of which concourse your flight arrived in. You'll see numbered carousels, and a digital display shows which carousel your flight's bags are using. Bags typically appear 15 to 30 minutes after the plane lands, though this varies depending on how many bags are on your flight and how quickly ground crews unload them.

If your bag doesn't appear within 45 minutes, report it to the airline's baggage services desk, which is located near the baggage claim area. They'll file a report and help you track your bag. If your bag is lost, the airline is responsible for compensation, though the amount is limited by federal law.

After collecting your bags, you'll exit to the ground transportation level. Signs will direct you to rental cars, rideshare pickup, taxis, or the A Line train depending on how you're leaving the airport.

Connecting flights and layovers at Denver International

If you're connecting to another flight, follow signs for "Connecting Flights" after you land. You'll go through a corridor that leads back to the main terminal without exiting the airport. You don't need to collect your baggage if you're connecting — the airline will transfer it to your next flight automatically, though this only happens if your connection time is at least 30 minutes.

Connecting times of 45 minutes or more are generally safe for domestic connections, though this depends on which concourses your flights use. If both flights are in the same concourse, 30 minutes may be enough. If you're switching concourses, allow at least 45 minutes. International connections typically require at least 90 minutes because you may need to go through customs or immigration.

If you have a long layover, the airport has restaurants, shops, and quiet seating areas in all three concourses. Some areas have charging stations for phones and laptops. If your layover is very long (six hours or more), you might consider leaving the airport and exploring Denver, though you'll need to go through security again when you return.

Airport services and amenities

Denver International has ATMs, currency exchange, and phone charging stations throughout the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is available in all concourses, though the connection can be slow during peak times. Restrooms are located throughout the terminal and concourses.

If you need medical attention, there's a first aid station in the main terminal. For lost and found items, contact the airport's lost and found office, which is located in the main terminal. Response times vary depending on how recently the item was lost.

The airport has family restrooms with changing tables if you're traveling with small children. Some concourses have play areas for children as well, though these are small and can get crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive at Denver International before my flight?

Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This gives you time to check baggage, pass through security, and reach your gate without rushing. During holidays and peak travel times, arriving even earlier is wise because security lines can be much longer.

Can I leave the airport during a layover and come back?

Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover as long as you have time to return, pass through security again, and reach your gate before your next flight boards. For a layover of less than three hours, leaving the airport is risky because security lines and travel time could make you miss your connection. For layovers of six hours or more, leaving is more practical.

What should I do if I miss my connection at Denver International?

Go to your airline's ticket counter or customer service desk when ready. They can rebook you on the next available flight to your destination, though you may have to pay a change fee depending on your ticket type and the airline's policy. If the missed connection was the airline's fault (a delayed incoming flight, for example), they may waive the fee.

Is there a hotel at Denver International Airport?

No hotel is located inside the airport terminal. Hotels are available near the airport, and some offer shuttle service from the ground transportation level. If you need a place to sleep during a long layover, you can also rest in the terminal seating areas, though comfort is limited.

How do I get from Denver International to ski resorts?

Rental cars are the most flexible option if you're heading to ski resorts in the mountains. Shuttle services and tour companies also operate from the airport and can take you to popular resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone, though these services require advance booking and cost more than a rental car for a group.